#TMTMM

[pokeeart]

The Misunderstanding that Melted Matthew

Act 1

Outside of the school, Matt and Kimberly sit together under a tree in the courtyard. Both are looking dejected and upset. Students mull about in the autumn weather. Kimberly clears her throat and Matt turns his attention to her.

Kimberly: Matt, there’s something I think we should talk about.

Matt: I’ve been thinking the same thing. And I agree.

Kimberly: What? Really? That makes this easier then...Matt, I’m glad you understand. I did really enjoy the time we spent together. (Kimberly stands up and offers Matt an apologetic smile before walking off and joining a large group of girls further down the courtyard.)

Matt: Uh. Wait what. (He stands and shouts after her) I thought we were talking about global warming! Kim?! Kim! (He goes to run after her but bumps into Gene)

Gene: Watch where you’re going mop-head! (He purposely sticks his leg out to trip Matt)

Matt: (falls) Ouch. (He watches as Kimberly struts off stage with her gal pals) Oh...I guess that’s that…

Gene: What? Your girl finally got the hint and left?

Matt: It’s not like that! We had a misunderstanding is all.

Gene: (disbelievingly) Really. What could you two have an intelligent conversation about that would be controversial?

Matt: (weakly and staggering to his feet) Global warming

Gene: Hawhaw! Everyone knows Global warming is a hoax mop-head. Get with the times. (Gene walks off stage)

Matt: Why is everyone ignoring this important issue...My girlfriend broke up with me! Over global warming! (screams)

(Mr. Keon quickly rushes on stage and heads to Matt)

Mr. Keon:  Matthew! What is the matter? Please stop screaming.

Matt: (has not stopped screaming) My girlfriend left me over global warming!

Mr. Keon: Kimberly left you over something so trivial? I guess the rumors are true.

Matt: (abruptly stops screaming and says curiously) What rumors? That she’s cheating on me?

Mr Keon: That she’s a republican. (pause) Matthew, I’m sure the two of you could work out some kind of compromise. Not everything has to be black or white.

Matt: I don’t think Gene would appreciate that, Mr. Keon.

Mr. Keon: And why not?

Matt: (matter of factly) He sure does know a lot about white stuff and would probably tell you that it’s the most important of things. He doesn’t like the color black too much.

Mr. Keon: (straightens up and looks around for Gene) Oh really?

Matt: Oh yeah. Gene knowns a lot about colors.

Mr. Keon: We’ll see, won’t we? (He speed walks in the direction that Gene disappeared to) Good luck with your relationship, Matthew.

Matt: Uh, thank you? (Mr. Keon exits) I wonder why Mr. Keon is in such a hurry. I thought he was all about the new art classes. Huh. (Matt looks around in hopes of seeing Kimberly, but spots his best friend, Miller instead)

Matt: Miller! My man! (jogs over to Miller) I need your advice.

Miller: Advice? What happened? Finally thinking of dropping that calculus class?

Matt: What? No, but I should do that. Kim left me! I got to get her back, man! Help me out.

Miller: Matthew, some relationships end because it’s time for them to. Everything comes to an end. (He sips from his coffee cup and gives Matt a snotty look)

Matt: Okay but like. It was a misunderstanding. Kim thinks one way about it and I think a different way and we totally got mixed up.

Miller: Is this about her cheating? Because I got to tell you man, you should have seen it coming.

Matt: (not listening to Miller at all) She just doesn’t care as much as I thought she did.

Miller: Exactly, Matthew. Lack of care is not healthy for the relationship.

Matt: I guess you're right. But I always thought just because we have different opinions doesn’t mean we couldn’t get along. Like, hearing other people’s opinions might help reunite our standpoint. I’d do anything at this point, I can compromise with her choice.

Miller: (perks up) So you’re saying that you wouldn’t mind if she heard other opinions with yours?

Matt: No, I think that would be great! Then maybe she would get what I mean when I talk about adaptation.

Miller: (smirking) I think I get what you’re saying.

Matt: That’s a relief. Nobody seems to get what I’m talking about.

Miller: Nah I hear you. Do you, uh, know where Kim is right now?

Matt: Probably with all the girls at the slushie place. Why?

Miller: I’m going to offer her my opinion, you know what I mean. (he nudges Matt) If that’s cool with you?

Matt: That would be amazing! Yes, go for it Miller.

(Miller exits and Matt walks around the courtyard think of what to do next)

Act 2

Matt sits in the lunchroom by himself. He looks around and notices how he is one of the only people to be sitting alone. He wonders where all of his friends went. Enter Mr. Keon, looking displeased.

Mr. Keon: Matthew. I very much need to speak with you.

Matt: Oh hey Mr. Keon. Sure, I’d love someone to talk to.

(Mr. Keon sits across from Matt)

Mr. Keon: This is about what we discussed earlier.

Matt: The color thing?

Mr. Keon: (unhappily) Yes, the color thing. I’m glad you brought the issue to my attention Matthew. After talking with Gene I realized that he isn’t the only kid in this school with a color problem.

Matt: I didn’t know people could have a color problem. That’s kind of strange don’t you think?

Mr. Keon: Yes, it is odd that people have such a hard time accepting different colors and treating them equally.

Matt: Yeah! Like yellow and brown. A lot of people think they're ugly colors.

Mr. Keon: (shocked) Wow, Matthew. You’re absolutely right. This is the kind of thing the school board needs to hear about. Would you be willing to stand with me and some other students about this issue? You’re insight would be very helpful to the cause.

Matt: Why, I’d love too! I’ve been meaning to join a club for ages, this is perfect.

Mr. Keon: It was a delight Matthew. (stands to leave) If Gene give you any trouble just come to me alright? (Matt gives a confused nod and Mr. Keon exits)

Matt: I didn’t know that the art club was protesting against the school board...Crazy world. (He continues looking around the lunchroom and spots Kelly, one of Kimberly’s close friends)

Matt: (yelling across the lunchroom) Kelly! Hey! How have you been? I haven’t seen you since that party last year.

Kelly: Oh yeah, great times. Look I can’t really talk right now, the girls have this amazing video to show me.

Matt: Video? Is it for a class? (standing up to follow her as she walks off)

Kelly: No, it’s a video of Kim beating the shit out of some guy!

Matt: (horrified) What? No! Kimberly wouldn’t do something like that!

Kelly: Well, she did. It sounded like the guy deserved it too. Talking to her about his creepy opinions or something.

Matt: (having a sudden dawning realization) Oh no. She’d really beat up someone over that? Maybe she’s not the girl I thought she was.

Kelly: When I grow up I want to be her. (Kelly exits and leaves Matt to fidget nervously in the hallway)

Matt: I can’t believe that Kimberly would so something so harsh. I mean I get not agreeing with global warming but beating someone up because they think different? That’s not right. (As Matt talks to himself students walk past him. Eventually Gene spots Matt and storms over to him)

Gene: Hey mop-head! What’s your damage? Sicking Mr. K on me for telling the truth? You don’t deserve Kimberly. Get over the facts.

Matt: Gene! Good. I need to ask you something. Is it right to beat someone up just because their different?

Gene: (a little startled) What do you mean?

Matt: I just mean, like hurting someone because their different is rude and discriminatory. I bet you can understand that.

Gene: (paling) I don’t know what you’re implying.

Matt: It’s like Kimberly didn’t even care to know me and my values. It’s like she didn’t even try to open any of my doors, like she locked me in a closet and forgot she had the key.

Gene: (gasps) Matt.

Matt: You get what I mean? I just feel like if maybe if I’d acted like a different person she’d like me more.

Gene: (outraged) Matthew, no! You’re perfect the way you are! You don’t need her to break down that closet door. Just bust it open, I’ve done it and you have no idea how good it feels. Don’t change yourself for other people, if they don’t agree with you they don’t agree with you. That’s that.

Matt: Jeez, Gene. You’re right! I just need to be myself! You’re the best!

(Gene smiles brightly and Matt returns the gesture)

Matt: Also sorry about that Mr. Keon thing. He super into art I guess. I thought the two of you would get along but what do I know about artists.

Gene: Hey don’t worry about it. You’ve given me something else to think about. (He winks) So really, thank you. (Gene exits. Matt smiles dazedly after him)

Matt: He’s such a great guy.

[thegirlinthefandom]

This is a scene from my new band AU fic, The Muse to My Melody. The first chapter is up!! I hope you all enjoy it. <3